Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you're a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of Louisiana events and activities happening this weekend.
Louisiana’s winter is typically short, mild and full of celebration. New Year's festivities brighten up the state, and Mardi Gras season isn’t far behind. Take a scenic drive along Louisiana’s byways, visit a museum or cozy up with beignets and chicory coffee at a local café.
First Day Hikes at Louisiana State Parks
January 1-2
Louisiana State Parks
Welcome the New Year with an outdoor adventure! State parks and historic sites throughout Louisiana host First Day Hikes that showcase our state’s natural beauty. Some hikes are guided by expert rangers, others are self-guided, but all participating parks welcome visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
From treks on the beach at Grand Isle State Park to history-focused hikes at Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site, each location offers a unique perspective on Louisiana’s natural and cultural heritage.
Get a full list of 2026 First Day Hikes in Louisiana.
GloFest at the Bakowski Bridge of Lights
Shreveport
January 2
Experience the Texas Street Bridge awash in light and color at GloFest. Designed by local artists, the show magnifies Shreveport’s glowing creative scene. While you watch, listen to live music, grab dinner with friends at the food truck court or swing through the makers’ market.
Before you see the light show, make time for a couple of gallery tours. Artspace features exhibitions and handmade goods from regional artists, and the Multicultural Center of the South details Creole, Hispanic, Italian and Native American histories.
Learn more about Shreveport-Bossier.
Stop, Shop & Stroll
January 3
Arnaudville
Engage with Louisiana’s creative community at NUNU Arts and Cultural Collective for Stop, Shop & Stroll. Browse galleries and an artisan market with goods like handmade jewelry, pottery, metalwork, blown glass and natural bath products before diving into fun featured activities, like karaoke, board games and more.
While you’re in town, try the state’s finest Cajun and Creole restaurants in nearby Opelousas, or kayak down the Bayou Teche.
Learn more about St. Landry Parish.
Mardi Gras Twelfth Night Parade Extravaganza
January 3
Lake Charles
Louisiana’s favorite holiday arrives in all its glory during the Twelfth Night Parade Extravaganza at the Lake Charles Event Center Coliseum. Dance with kings and queens from local krewes, win lavish prizes and ring in the Carnival season with a lively mini parade.
Hungry? Grab Louisiana’s favorite sandwich at Darrell’s Famous Po’Boys, with fillings like barbecue sausage, brisket, spicy Cajun shrimp and roast beef. Or visit Steamboat Bill’s for fresh boiled crawfish and shrimp, shrimp and crab gumbo, soft-shell crab or red beans and rice.
Plan your visit to Lake Charles.
Shreveport Card Show
January 3-4
Shreveport
Calling all card collectors, sports enthusiasts and TCG players — head north for the Shreveport Card Show. Browse more than 200 vendor tables, learn about the latest trends and meet industry experts at the Shreveport Convention Center.
While you’re in Shreveport, shop or even play a few rounds at local gaming stores. The Basement stocks hobby supplies, gaming accessories, collectibles and board games, and the retro gaming area offers free-to-play video games on comfy couches. The Gamers XP sells Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and One Piece cards, and weekly events include casual and tournament-style games.
Winter Lantern Festival
Select dates through January 4
Westwego
Chinese legend comes to life in Louisiana during the Winter Lantern Festival at Bayou Segnette State Park. Wander among thousands of glowing handcrafted lanterns, watch gravity-defying acrobatic shows and sample tasty food and drink from local vendors. All ages are welcome, and children under 3 receive free admission.
Learn more about Westwego's fascinating history — including how a train conductor gave the town its name — at the Westwego Historical Museum. The museum is housed in the town's original general store, which is filled with antiques and artifacts from the late 1800s.
Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Through January 6
Natchitoches
Did you know Natchitoches is home to one of the nation’s longest-running holiday festivals? Considering the town looks like the inside of a Hallmark snow globe, it’s no wonder. Tickets provide a stroll along the river, where thousands of lights refract a prismatic show soundtracked by seasonal classics.
Before you enter the festival, grab a cup of hot cocoa at StoryBrew Coffee Cafe. The historic shop is known for flaky, mile-high cinnamon rolls and tender, buttery scones.
Learn more about Natchitoches.
Krewe of Janus Twelfth Night Celebration
January 6
Monroe
Enjoy wine, spirits and hors d'oeuvres at The Krewe of Janus Twelfth Night Celebration, a glamorous gathering that signifies the start of Mardi Gras. No krewe’s celebration is complete without a grand entrance from the king and queen, live music and a packed dance floor.
Take note of Monroe’s sights and attractions while you’re in town. Duck Dynasty lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Robertson family’s Duck Commander: The Tour. Meanwhile, thrifters will adore the dozens of shops along Antique Alley.
Phunny Phorty Phellows
January 6
New Orleans
Celebrate the arrival of Carnival season with a centuries-old tradition: The Phunny Phorty Phellows parade. This satirical krewe rides the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line from Uptown to the French Quarter, heralding the weeks of joyful revelry ahead.
While you’re in the French Quarter, stroll through the gorgeous neighborhood, fitted with iconic architecture, streetside jazz performances and world-famous food. Be sure to visit Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, a profoundly New Orleanian joint that coined the famous eponymous cocktail.
Celebrate Mardi Gras
Statewide
Of the hundreds of festivals in Louisiana, none top Mardi Gras. Witness spectacular parades, dazzling costumes and magical galas. Not to mention, Louisiana king cake can’t be beat. Find Mardi Gras celebrations across Louisiana.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
